Platy aquarium.

**Kaz** · 05-19-2009, 03:28 AM

If I was to have an aquarium just for my platies, what size should it be and how may should I get?

I was thinking in the range of 10-20 gallons and a Dwarf Gourami to control population. (Yes the platies will get most of them but the Dwarf Gourami will get more.)

Anything else somebody want to add? Would a female Gourami be as effective as a male?

**Northernguy** · 05-19-2009, 04:12 AM

No smaller than a 20.
Yes add a gourami if you like!
No it won't make a difference on sex.

**Kaz** · 05-19-2009, 12:48 PM

How many platies then?

**Northernguy** · 05-19-2009, 12:50 PM

I would start with ten,if you want fry make sure there are twice as many females.
What else is going in the tank besides possibly a gourami?

**thrakuarium** · 05-19-2009, 03:30 PM

I would even go as far as 2 male and 8 female platys to keep the nitpicking between the males down. You will probably find more male dwarf gourami available vs female anyway. The males travel better when it comes to dwarfs. Just be extra picky on the gourami. If they dont have perfect finnage, wait for the next batch. You'll want to add him last anyway to keep his territorial urges down. 20 gal minimum imo with a gourami.

**Kaz** · 05-19-2009, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Northernguy

I would start with ten,if you want fry make sure there are twice as many females.
What else is going in the tank besides possibly a gourami?

Plants but other than that I haven't come up with any other ideas.

What else do you reccomend?

(Would 3 males, 7 females work?)

**troy** · 05-19-2009, 10:26 PM

Well if you want the fry to get eaten you shouldn't add plants. That combo will work.

**Kaz** · 05-20-2009, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by troy

Well if you want the fry to get eaten you shouldn't add plants. That combo will work.

I figured the addition of a gourami would counter the plants protection.

Besides if I can find a way to donate the mature fry that survive to the LFS, I should be good, Right?

Oh and would it have a negative impact on the fish health if they eat a bunch of the fry? Because with 7 females, I'd be gettin' a looooot of fry.

**Northernguy** · 05-20-2009, 01:29 AM

They will never eat all the fry. You will be having to get rid of the fry.
Start wit that. You will know what else you want in there in a few weeks.It will take that long to build enough of a bio-load to support anything else.

**Kaz** · 05-20-2009, 01:53 AM

Alright, I'm not sure about so many baby machines, perhaps 2 males and 5 females, a Dwarf gourami and something else that could work with whats left.

Would 6 neon-sized tetras top that off?

Or is that too much?